When do you know that you can "beat the game"?

[LuvDemNutz]

This is a general question about how to know if you are good enough to play at a certain level.

I stepped up in levels recently and am up 15 buy-ins in the last two weeks since I stepped up.

But, I know that variance works wonders and frankly, I have been running very good.

Does +15 buy-ins mean I'm good enough to stay?

[RikaKazak]

You need 3 PTBB/100 for 30K hands, got that, then you're winning, but not necessarily beating the game, do 5 PTBB/100 over 50K hands, then you're beating it.

[Dr. StrangeloveX]

When the money keeps going in in your favor in spots where skill matters.

I think it's a sense more than a result... that you're in control of the table, that you're able to elicit responses you want from other players, that you know your decisions are the correct ones, regardless of how the cards actually turn. Would love to hear more from other players. This is more of a 'thought processes of poker' issue I think...

[Rotating Rabbit]

When you sit down and some of the regulars at the same table (particularly those on your right) get up and switch tables.

[AZK]

When 2 outers cease to bother you.
When the money doesn't matter if you drop a buyin or 5 in 10 minutes.
When the game breaks up and you stay to play 3 handed as if nothing happened.
When you check-raise bluff/bluff in general just because you know the guy is going to lay down and even if he doesn't it's ok cause you play with these people everyday.
When people sit out when you sit down.

The list goes on and on. I think the most important thing at any level is being totally immune to the swings.

[HoldEmKillah]

[ QUOTE ]
When 2 outers cease to bother you.
When your game is completely unaffected when you drop a buyin or 5 in 10 minutes.
When the game breaks up and you stay to play 3 handed as if nothing happened.
When you check-raise bluff/bluff in general just because you know the guy is going to lay down and even if he doesn't it's ok cause you play with these people everyday.
When people sit out when you sit down.

The list goes on and on. I think the most important thing at any level is being totally immune to the swings.

[/ QUOTE ]

Had to fix that but excellent points. I would stress the 50k hands, 5PTBB/100 thing too. I ran sick-good at NL1k over my first 10k hands, up 15 buy ins. Then lost it all and wanted to throw up. There was a quote somewhere (on here?) by Jennifer Harmon that basically said that a player who is winning is not necessarily a good player. I'll tell you if a player is a winning one based on how they play while they're losing. After my NL1k trip, I think I'd get an F from JH.

[bkholdem]

When you are able to recognize and capitalize on the mistakes of your opponents.

[BobboFitos]

what is the rounders quote?

mike mcd is convinced he can beat the game @ KGBs, and kinesh says " 'maybe' is a game that cant be beat" ? I butchered it.